§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent, and by what means his Department monitors (a) the implementation by magistrates of guidance on sentencing and (b) the consistency of sentencing patterns in different parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MellorIn compiling the published criminal statistics, the Department collects details of the sentences imposed in each petty sessions area. Consistency of practice is one of the factors we have in mind in analysing this information, though variations in the use of different sentences will in some measure be attributable to differences in local circumstances.